Grass fire season here, burning permits required

Kentville firefighters remind the public that burning permits are required for all burning of brush after March 31.

The department issues permits for properties within Kentville town limits while the Department of Natural Resources looks after permits for properties with the Kings County municipality.

But regardless of whether someone is burning with or without a permit, the department says people need to keep an eye on fires they do have.

“You’re liable for any damage caused by your fire going out of control, whether or not you have a permit,” says Kentville Fire Chief Shawn Ripley.

“We’ve had too many fires over the years in which someone has left a fire unattended or not properly extinguished and it has spread to buildings and other properties.”

Such incidents may also result in fines through the Department of Natural Resources, which can also require a property owner to cover the costs of firefighting associated with a blaze that gets out of control.

Residents of the town and county should also note that the burning of leaves is not permitted under municipal bylaws through Valley Waste Resource Management.